Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 March 2019
1151. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there is a source of funding from Pobal that could save a service (details supplied) which has planning permission for a temporary building and which is fully booked for the 2019-20 year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12725/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra1153. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there is a source of funding that could save a service (details supplied) which has planning permission for a temporary building and which is fully booked for the 2019-20 year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12724/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1151 and 1153 together.
I have secured €6.106m in funding for the 2019 Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare Capital programmes.
This funding will be delivered in three strands, as follows:
- €4.231m has been allocated to Strand A, which will offer grants of up to €50,000 in value to early learning and care providers for the creation of new 0-3 places where demand for these is clearly evidenced.
- €0.875m has been allocated to Strand B, which will offer individual grants of up to €15,000 in value to aid community/not-for-profit early learning and care services in addressing fire safety issues that have been highlighted in inspection reports by Tusla, the HSE or Local Authorities.
- €1m has been allocated to Strand C, which will offer individual grants of up to €20,000 in value to school age childcare providers for the creation of new school age places where demand for these is clearly evidenced.
Funding will be available to providers nationwide in a competitive process, with the application window open from Monday 25th February to 3pm on Wednesday 27th March 2019.
This private service may be eligible to apply for Strands A & C as part of Capital 2019. I would advise that the service contacts Pobal by phoning (01) 5117222 or Tipperary County Childcare Committee by phoning (062) 64200, with any questions they may have about eligibility for this year's Early Learning and Care and School Age Capital programmes.
With regard to the sustainability of the service in question, I would advise Rossmore Playschool to contact Pobal outlining their current situation. Pobal have a dedicated Case Management team that works with local CCCs to assess services facing crisis situations. Upon reviewing the particulars of this case, they may be able to provide appropriate non-financial assistance or support in collaboration with Tipperary CCC.
